J.M.S. Pearce
United Kingdom
Poet’s statement: Lines on retirement written years ago in a transient mood of reflection, not depression.
Retired hurt1
What is this life with time to spare, No breakfast rushed, no traffic race No prim grey suit worn everyday, No ceaseless calls on telephone, No “Can’t you do this, yesterday.” There’s much to do, you’ll not be bored, Past hobbies sought, with grim intent, Seek ventures new, fresh pastures find, But, old bones ache, disused joints creak, Where hides that grasp, where is that flare, Distractions: music, theatre, sport, Less fevered passion, excitement dulled, The downcast gaze, enfeebled mind, The clock’s tick slow, time labours on, “Dejected, down,” the young declare. |
![]() Photography by Andrew Blight |
Notes
- A cricketing metaphor when a batsman has to retire from his role in the game because of injury or illness until recovered.
J.M.S. PEARCE, MD, FRCP (London) is emeritus consultant neurologist in the Department of Neurology at the Hull Royal Infirmary, England. All correspondence to: 304 Beverley Road, Anlaby, East Yorkshire, HU10 7BG, England.
Highlighted in Frontispiece Spring 2012 – Volume 4, Issue 2
Spring 2012 | Sections | Poetry
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